Can't Sleep? Why Insomnia Shouldn't Be Ignored

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I think I have always suffered from insomnia. I could never really sleep in when I was young. I have found out there is no cure. I am learning to deal with it and appreciating the nights I do get to sleep. I figure I will get the eternal rest I need when I am in my grave lol.

AMZ of UT 5:42PM January 26, 2010

Hey sweetness, one tip if you haven't done it and you are interested...
Write your father a letter. In that letter say everything you've ever wanted to say to him. All of it. Whether it is nice or not. Just allow yourself this time on paper to express, even if what you end up writing makes no sense. Emotions do not make sense, and sometimes, they just need to be heard, even if just heard by your self. Compassion is important too, it may sound corny, but for some, wrapping themselves in a metaphorical pink blanket(or whatever color feels safe and warm) tends to make the body respond by relaxing and allowing what ever emotions may be knocking around to simply be there). Much love to you. Sometimes, we just need hugs and silence.

J.Lynn Sullivan 10:14PM January 24, 2010

I have P.T.S.D and many periods of time where I cannot sleep for a number of nights and I try the following things that seem to help me.
"Before going to Bed"
Take a Hot Bath with Epsom Salts and Lavender Oil added to the water.
(Soak and relax for about 25 to 30 minutes). I also put a dab of lavender oil on the inside of my ears in the crease at the top so the smell lingers with me.
Make a solution of Lavender Oil and water and spray it on your pillow to scent it before you sleep.
Drink Sleepy Time Tea with your bath.
I will try Vendla's method to see if it works for me since it does sound interesting.

CJ of TX 8:15AM January 16, 2010

My mom says since I was born I haven't slept. She tried for over a year to get me on a sleep cycle and gave up, she would leave toys in my crib for me to play with, so I wouldnt cry. And to this day I don't sleep I can go days without sleeping, and never have the urge of being sleepy, my body will get tired, but my mind never sleeps, I've done sleep studies, and brain mapping and hormone level tests, and they can't nail it down, so I laugh when I read these articles. I've had insomnia my whole life, not a few weeks, can someone come up with a guide or tips for that.

RC of FL 6:07PM January 14, 2010

I use to get at least 8 hours of sleep. But ever since my dad died I have a hard time getting to sleep. When I do I have dreams of my dada. I need help

Leeza of CA 1:49AM January 04, 2010

I have found that Lemon balm, also known as Melissa, is very good for sleep. I have an adverse reaction to natural sleep aids, (antihistamines wire me and keep me awake and chamomile is a natural antihistamine) so through research of old remedies and herbs I discoverd Lemon balm. Works great for me when I am having trouble. Caveat...if you are on a blood thinner, it isn't a good idea to use it.

Morgan of GA 1:48PM May 19, 2009

In 1988 I was given a study, they had no clue as to treat,given
Tryptophan,which a bad batch from Japan killed off some here!
So nothing else was suggested,1993 ,mild dose of Tricyclic anti depression med .works! but your sex drive will decrease!
Again in 1994 another at Rush,given old BP medication for "restless leg"CATAPRES"
a rather large dose daily spread out over waking hours.,maximum. it has been now been 15 years and I sleep like a baby. As to COBRA ,I sold Insurance for years and it was meant to discouarge you from taking it with you,high priced on purpose !but Congress had to do something{even if not good}
Probably accomplished by LOBBISTS!as all is controled in my oppinion by them. WE DO NOT COUNT! Take 2 asprin and call me in AM!

Popijw of IL 2:37PM March 03, 2009

They only cover things that are pretty much mainline illnesses. Since most people have no clue what it's like to not actually be able to sleep to the point of becoming totally unfunctional,they tend to play it off as if it's just something that is psycological and can be corrected with biofeedback or relaxation or various environmental or lighting methods.
So, in most cases to even get a sleep study done is a $2,500 out of pocket expense for them to tell you what you basically already knew! Ha.
After 10 years of experimentation with various drugs we finally found a brew that knocks me out pretty well. I didn't think I was going to live very long in my former state of physical and mental deterioration, but the pills have put me back working like a superman in the real world.
I kinda got used to staying up all night though. I did manage to get a few computer and photography projects done that I would never have time for anymore.

s of WA 2:36AM March 03, 2009

I'm ready and willing to consult a sleep specialist for my insomnia. But now that my family has lost health insurance (unfortunately COBRA costs MORE than our mortgage, and that's not counting deductibles and copays), it's not an option for me. Guess I'll keep counting sheep.

ozman of UT 12:27AM March 03, 2009

I take drugs to sleep. Lots of 'em. It's the only solution that gets me to sleep. It costs me about $500 a month for a single perscription which insurance doesn't cover.
It would be nice if behavioral changes would work but they don't. It would be even nicer is exercise worked but it doesn't.
The sleep docs do their best but much of the science of sleep disorders is still a world unexplored and unexplained.

s of WA 7:33PM March 02, 2009